Kae Tempest on Finding Their Voice: Transition, Renewal, and Trans Joy
"Affirming their gender last year renewed their love for performing live."
Kae Tempest, the acclaimed poet, rapper, musician, and novelist, has publicly discussed their recent gender transition and its profound impact on both their personal life and career. At 41, Tempest revealed that the affirmation of their gender helped them overcome years of debilitating panic attacks on stage.
A Career of Firsts
Tempest became the youngest winner of the Ted Hughes Award at age 28 for their epic poem Brand New Ancients. Their first two solo albums, Everybody Down and Let Them Eat Chaos, were both nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Their career has also included a collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, a Brit Award nomination, and winning the Silver Lion at the Venice International Theatre Festival.
The Realization and Relief
Tempest noted that they had previously hidden in their work, but realized something was fundamentally different when they became unable to function professionally. Since transitioning, they described feeling a profound sense of relief and a renewed sense of self.
Their most recent album, Self Titled, directly addresses the trans and gender diverse community and their own journey. It marks a significant milestone: it is the first album where Tempest had to learn how to use their new, lower vocal register.
Overcoming a Major Fear
Tempest stated that fear about how their voice might change had deterred them from transitioning earlier. Now, they focus on positivity, expressing that they do not allow anti-trans sentiment to affect them, instead prioritizing "trans joy."
Beyond the music, Tempest has completed their second novel, Having Spent Life Seeking, which follows a gender-diverse protagonist returning to their hometown. Looking ahead, they plan to take a break after their Australian tour before returning to work on a previously unfinished record.